CHESTERTOWN, Md. (AP) — Chestertown police say counterfeit $20 bills have been passed at three downtown businesses this month. 

Officers say in each instance, a man makes a nominal purchase with the fake $20 and makes off with the change. 

The victims have been a coffeehouse, a bookstore and a drug store. 

Rick Elliott, co-owner of Stam Drugs, tells The Cecil Whig that he was victimized on Dec. 6. The man approached the back counter and used a $20 to buy shaving cream. 

The man was almost caught, however. Elliott says he left his wallet on the counter. 

But another customer grabbed the wallet and returned it to the man as he was leaving.